Friends Who Flake On Rides

[PacMan]

Hi all. I was just wondering (and venting a little I suppose), if anyone else here has riding friends who flake out/cancel out of rides frequently?? I just don't understand why people will say they are going to make a ride and then flake out at the last minute. My main 2 riding buddies are this way.

Today, I was supposed to ride with both of them and ended up going solo. One of them--the most unreliable of the 2--said he couldn't because his wife made plans for them. I mentioned it offhandedly to his wife on Thursday and she had no idea what he was talking about.

My other friend--who was the one that initially had the idea for the ride in the first place mind you--called me while I was enroute to the trailhead and told me something came up and he couldn't make it.

It wouldn't be such a big deal if it didn't happen all the time It happens at least 3-4 times a month. When you consider the fact that I ride with them 2 times a week or 8-10 times a month, then you see my frustration at the frequency.

One of my buddies doesn't eevn have kids and my other buddy has 2. I have 3 kids and I can still make time for rides. I know, I know--cry me a river , it's mainly that they say they will be there and they flake. Or, they are always talking about how they need/want to ride more, then they don't.

I just wish I could find a few riding bros that will keep their word when they say they will be at a ride. I really wish I could just find a riding partner that was as into the sport as I am--that wants to ride 4-5 times a week. I have 3 kids, a wife and a job but I find ways to do it, so I know it can be done.

I know what you might be wondering--no my wife doesn't ride and my kids are too little. Maybe my only hope will be in a few years when my oldest son can ride. I also don't like to ride solo. I will do it if necessary, but would rather just ride with someone. I seem to have more fun when I do.

Thank you for letting me vent. I think I'll go clean my bike and plan my next ride

[Von-Skipp]

I think your answer is SocalTrailRiders.org Great guys, Ive never had a problem with guys flaking. And when your with big groups it doesnt matter if a guy or two bails out.

Join us for some STR rides

[Epic_Mtn_Biker]

Hey Pacman,

i can totally empathize with you, i've been there many times in the past. honestly, things changed once i started coming on here and riding with some guys that are just as passionate about riding as myself. guys like: Pshloss, SingleSSpeedster, Mingo1, Bananaseat, Outlaw, and Tom C have made my riding experiences a lot more enjoyeable.

my old group of "riding buddies" hindered things by: showing up late, or not even showing up. plus any of the following: not pushing the envelope in regards to mileage, elevation gain, technical trails, and waking up early to beat the heat. other things involve: not coming to ride with a decent level of preparation (sleep, gear, food and water). some guys have had to deal with the wife/GF issue and that's understandable, but they've been courtous to at least not leave me hanging as i head to the trailhead.

all i can suggest, is ditch the guys that are not compatible with your desire to go out and ride and hook up with those that have the same type of biking goals/styles.

i think here on STR we have a good selection of riders to ride with. you got your FR guys and your XC guys. both are have a great set of guys and as far as i can see and read the FR guys just as much fun as us XC guys.

pick and choose who you want to ride with, and you'll have fun either way.

see you out on the trail!!

[LBmtb]

Totally agree with Matt and Armando. There's no law saying you can ONLY ride with those people. Everyone I've met on STR has been great so far, I'm sure you'll find good riding partners here and make new friends along the way

[CalEpic]

I can sympathise man. I've been there. That's why I mostly ride with the guys on this site

C

[PacMan]

Thanks for the replies. I will have to ty to hook up with some of you guys in the future. It would be a bit hard however, as I live in Hemet and do most of my riding in north San Diego county. That's already a long drive and the OC would be even further. I greatly appreciate the mentality of the riders on this board and, like I said, I will have to seriously try to join up with you guys sometimes.

Maybe Saturdays would be best, since I wouldn't be under any time constraints. Thanks again

Nice thread PacMan. Unfortunately I've been the flake to my good riding bud a couple of times in the past. Partying too hard on the night before was why I ended up leaving him hanging, while I was hungover. There are still times when I'll go out drinkin' on Saturday nights and even though I'm not feeling so great when I first wake up Sunday morning just the thought of being out there in the hills and smelling the sage is enough to get me out of bed. I'm a weekend warrior, so, on top of not wanting to be a flake to my friends, I dont want to be a flake to myself and sell myself short of a ride because I drank too much the night before.

Anyhow, I see that you ride N. San Diego county, I know there are quite a few of us OC guys who would love to ride Noble Canyon sometime in the near future. Perhaps we can organize something soon where we can have a nice STR ride down there.

Thanks for venting to us and EVERYONE can relate to your post, whether they have been flaked on, or they have been the flakee.

Lets make this Noble ride happen soon!!!!!!

[Epic_Mtn_Biker]

Originally Posted by PacMan

...................I live in Hemet...................................

Hey Pacman,

ever ridden: Sycamore Canyon Park in Riverside, Box Springs in Grand Terrance or Hulda Crooks Park in Loma Linda? that's not not too , too far from Hemet

[PacMan]

Originally Posted by Epic_Mtn_Biker

Hey Pacman,

ever ridden: Sycamore Canyon Park in Riverside, Box Springs in Grand Terrance or Hulda Crooks Park in Loma Linda? that's not not too , too far from Hemet

I've never ridden any of those trails, but I've heard of them. I've wanted to go explore them, but like I said before--I don't really like to ride solos. It's my own problem I know and the only one who suffers for it is me. I think I am just going to have to bite the bullet and learn to like it.

There is a little gem of a trail here in Hemet called Simpson Park. It's short, but technical and is always a good time.

[PacMan]

Originally Posted by DINO

Anyhow, I see that you ride N. San Diego county, I know there are quite a few of us OC guys who would love to ride Noble Canyon sometime in the near future. Perhaps we can organize something soon where we can have a nice STR ride down there.

Lets make this Noble ride happen soon!!!!!!

I agree. Noble is probably the best ride in SD county. I shuttle it though, as the climbing is just too much. I know guys who ride it the whole way, but they are in much better shape than I and have been riding for 6-8 years.

I would love to hook up with you guys for a Noble Canyon ride. Quite a drive for some of you, but probably worth doing at least once.

[TURNERob]

Yeah I'm definately into checking out Noble, and the shuttle would be no problem for most of us.